Georgia Bulldogs: 2011 Post-Spring Depth Chart Surprises

Georgia released it's post-spring depth chart today and while there were few surprises, a few things stood out—at least to me—as curious.

For one, the sight of Ken 'Boo' Malcome at No. 4—behind the walk-on Brandon Harton and the diminutive Carlton Thomas—seemed odd. Malcome was one of the major standouts this past spring and seemed poised to challenge Caleb King for more significant carries come summer. However, the fact that he didn't even manage to land at No. 2 concerned me a bit—but only a little bit.

Perhaps the groin injury that plagued Malcome all spring played a role in where he ended up on the chart (although, it does seem worth noting that, Baccari Rambo missed all of spring managed to maintain his position on the depth chart despite missing the majority of spring practice).
It's a situation that bears watching once summer drills commences as, hopefully, there isn't more to it than meets the eye.

Keep in mind, for those who don't know, this chart does not speak to where guys like Isaiah Crowell or Damian Swann will land once they arrive and throw their respective skills into the mix. It's sole purpose is to present a guide as to where guys stand as of right now.

Another small surprise, although no one should be too shocked by it at this point, is the fact that Michael Bennett has leaped over Israel Troupe. Troupe's stock has really declined over the last 18-months and it looks as if his impact at Georgia will be relegated to a reserve capacity from this point forward. It's too bad that he hasn't really found his groove, he's got the physical attributes needed to be a solid competitor, I'm just not sure he ever really committed fully to playing football.

On the other hand, the 'Michael Bennet Hype Train' continues to gain traction and, by summer, it will likely be at full bore as this young man continues to make sure he's not overlooked by anyone.

Oh, and in case you missed it, we are thin on the offensive line, at safety, and at wide receiver. I'm praying the new strength program also includes a heavier emphasis on injury prevention. We are one hamstring injury away from seeing a tight end being a permanent fixture on the offensive line and that's not a comforting thought. 

Georgia WR Marlon Brown Still Has His Share of Doubters

Twitter is a fun place to be late at night—when most people have likely decided to engage in other more interesting activities—and this past Friday evening was no exception.

Noted Atlanta Journal-Constitution recruitnik, Michael Carvell, had this to tweet about Marlon Brown, the former five-star standout for Harding Academy in Memphis, TN:

While I don't share Mr. Carvell's insomnia over Brown's former recruiting rank—personally the stars don't mean a whole lot in most cases, because the pudding is proved on the field—I do admit to having a slight obsession with how insignificant a role he has played since he's been at Georgia. As a matter of fact, he's graced the thoughts and pages of this blog on several occasions (see link below) for that very reason and he's been a subject of fierce debate as to whether or not he will ever live up to the hype or promise he displayed in high school.

Brown isn't lacking in self-confidence where his skills are concerned, but putting his money where his mouth is will be the ultimate goal this season. As a junior, he's already being lauded as a potential No. 2 option playing opposite Tavarres King (who is set to step into the role left vacant by A.J. Green), but redshirt freshman, Michael Bennett, has received every bit the praise and accolades for his 'Kris Durham like' hands and 'A.J. Green like' flexibility so who's to say how things will turn out?

If anything, I find that I am more intrigued about Bennett's potential than Brown's—but that's just me.

Related articles

• Georgia Bulldogs: Wherefore Art Thou, Marlon Brown? (theladysportswriter.blogspot.com)
• Georgia Bulldogs: Tight End Is The New Wide Receiver (theladysportswriter.blogspot.com)

Georgia Bulldogs: Richt Feeling No Pressure in 2011

Photo Credit: Kelly Lambert

When asked if he felt any pressure coming off a 6-7 season, Georgia Bulldog head coach had this to say, "None, I don’t feel any pressure. None at all".

Well, alrighty then.

As much as the Georgia Bulldogs have been under the microscope these last 18-months, it's nice to see the head coach still taking it all in stride (I say that tongue-in-cheek, of course).

However, sarcasm aside, it might be a good thing that Richt is taking a laid-back approach to things this year. The optimist or, as some have come to label them—the Disney Dawg—might say that Richt's attitude belies a man who feels confident in his team, his strategy, and his coaching staff. He's not worried because he knows he'll be kicking butt and taking names in 2011.

On the other hand, the pessimist might look at him and say, "well, it's the same ol' shuck and jive from Richt. I swear that man is like a James Bond drink—shaken, never stirred". Okay, well, maybe that's a bit corny, but you get the point—everything about this program is under speculation and no one is certain what to believe just yet.

I tend to fall somewhere between 'wait and see' and 'it has to get better from here'.

Surely, Murray will be even better in year two of this offense. He has a better understanding of the reads, the progressions, and his role as a leader on this team. And, even if the running game stalls out of the gate, it won't be due to guys who have forgotten how to play ball or who have become complacent at doing their jobs because they somehow feel entitled to be starting in every game. 

Both Washaun Ealey and Caleb King, in my opinion, began believing their own press too much after a successful 2009 campaign that saw them enter 2010 as, possibly, one of the best running back tandems in the SEC. As a result, they were not prepared to get smacked in the mouth the way they were and, seemingly, lost all confidence as ball carriers—not to mention their lack of focus off the football field.

The emergence of Ken 'Boo' Malcome, and the pending arrival of Isaiah Crowell, has relegated both Ealey and King to second-tier status. For the most part, no one is expecting either of them to do anything more than contribute. To be frank, if Ealey breaks 500-yards this season, I would be surprised because he suddenly can't seem to stay healthy and, if Crowell or Malcome turn out to be the types of players many feel they can be, Ealey will likely be competing with Carlton Thomas for the last spot on the depth chart.

As for the receivers, that should be interesting. Neither Marlon Brown nor Rantavious Wooten look like they will be world beaters in 2011, but Orson Charles, Arthur Lynch, and Tavarres King look ready to make something happen and that may be all Georgia needs if the run game takes off.

I suspect the defense will be better in year two and, once offensive line coach, Will Friend, finds his rotation, the offensive line should be competent—if nothing else.

Does that mean Georgia is primed to win the SEC East and shock the world this year? We'll just have to wait and see about that one, but I'm certainly not willing to best against them—yet.

Related articles

• G-Day, You Turn Me Inside Out: Notes on the Georgia Bulldogs' Spring Scrimmage (dawgsports.com)

Georgia Bulldogs: Tight End Is The New Wide Receiver

In case you missed the bulletin, A.J. Green is gone. No longer will No. 8 traverse the fields of Sanford Stadium, and while there is currently not a guy on the Georgia Bulldogs' roster who seems ready to step into Green's huge shoes—have no fear—the tight end could be back in style again.

While a plethora of questions are worthy of conversation where the wide receiving corps is concerned—can Tavarres King be effective as a No. 1, will Marlon Brown or Rantavious Wooten ever become legit, is Michael Bennett the sleeper of the SEC this season—there seems to be little of that wondering going on where the tight ends are concerned. As a matter of fact, the only question that seems to keep cropping up is whether or not Aaron Murray will be able to air it out enough to keep his plethora of ends happy?

We start, of course, with Orson Charles who has been beastly since his arrival on campus in 2009. He has rarely disappointed, but you get the feeling that the best is still yet to come with this young man. Perhaps in his second season catching footballs from best friend, and former Plant High teammate, Aaron Murray, we will finally see him reach his full potential.

Next up is Aron White who, at 6'4", 239, is one of the smallest tight ends on the depth chart, but who has continually made his presence felt on the field during some of the more crucial downs. He's been hampered a bit by an injury this spring but, as the senior leader of this group, what he offers in poise and experience far outweighs his stat line which, given the lack of attention this position has been  given over the years, is still impressive.

Arthur Lynch looks like he's ready to make a difference on the football field this season as well. The redshirt sophomore gained better than 20 pounds this past offseason, and has looked solid in drills thus far. Lynch has always been lauded for his great blocking ability—a trait that will always get you on the football field for Mark Richt—but he has the potential to be every bit as useful as a pass-catcher. Look for him to step it up this season.

Finally, there's Jay Rome—who isn't even enrolled yet. You can expect to see him get a better than average shot at early playing time in 2011. He's got the size, the speed, the build, and the potential to make a nice contribution for the Bulldogs if placed in the right offensive situations.

There's no doubt that Georgia will be looking for playmakers this year and, as already mentioned, the wide receiving corps could use a boost with both Green and Durham now gone. It wouldn't surprise me to see one of these guys, perhaps Charles or White, step onto the football field in a hybrid role to fill in the blanks—particularly Charles who is known to get loose in the middle of the field to make the big play.

If offensive coordinator, Mike Bobo, can FINALLY see fit to open up his playbook to include more offensive sets for his talented tight ends, perhaps the obvious void in the receiving corps won't seem nearly as daunting.

Georgia's Offer To Quintavious Harrow Comes With Or Without Isaiah Crowell

When the news broke that Mark Richt had "suddenly" extended a late offer to Carver-Columbus linebacker, Quintavious Harrow—who also happens to be a good friend of Isaiah Crowell—it became easy to make the assumption that this was a last-ditch effort by Georgia to lock-in Crowell.

Crowell, off to Tuscaloosa to visit the Tide this weekend, is still set to announce his decision on National Signing Day. He is fluctuating between Alabama, Auburn, and Georgia, and it's anybody's guess what school he will choose on February 2nd.

However, the chances should markedly increase in Georgia's favor now that they've offered his friend, right? After all, isn't that how it works? Sign the brother, friend, cousin and you lock in the highly-touted recruiting prospect.

It worked with Alec Ogletree (Georgia signed his brother, Zander) and they've made concessions for Nathan Theus (hoping it leads to a commitment from his brother John)—at least that's what we have been led to believe.

Well, I'm not about to say I know the intentions of this coaching staff where Georgia's recruiting process is concerned, but I do know this:

• Georgia is thin at linebacker—Montez Robinson, Demetre Baker, and Marcus Dowtin were all released from their scholarships in 2010—and both Darryl Gamble and, possibly, Justin Houston will be gone in 2011. While Harrow doesn't have the body of an SEC linebacker (5'10, 190lbs), perhaps he gives the defensive staff the flexibility they need to make adjustments and plug holes now that key skill players have left the program.

• Scott Lakatos likes size and speed. Watch the film on Harrow (offered below), he was one of the quicker bodies in that Carver-Columbus secondary, and he is a solid tackler.

• Harrow has always been on Georgia's radar. He was in attendance at Dawgnight last year—along with Isaiah Crowell, Gabe Wright, Xzavier Dickson, and Damian Swann—he didn't just appear overnight.

• Harrow is a good player, but only recently qualified. His lack of offers has more to do with academics than talent.

All that said, the mere thought that Richt has suddenly gotten into the business of bringing in friends just to lockdown a premier talent is really a bit much. Even if true, Jarvis Jones (who transferred in last season) was already a major pull for Crowell—he said as much himself—so there was no need to arbitrarily offer Harrow if he wasn't a good fit.

Remember, last year, Georgia passed on quarterback Nash Nance—even though it meant losing his good friend Da'Rick Rogers to their SEC rival. Even more, people seem caught up in Harrow's lack of offers. Take a look back at both Michael Bennett and Hutson Mason, neither were getting much recruiting love from until late in the game—that means nothing.

In the end, if Crowell signs with Georgia, it's doubtful that Harrow will have much, if anything to do with it. Crowell will go wherever he pleases, and you can be sure that the coaching staff is well-aware of it.

On the other hand, if you still believe that this is just a desperate ploy by coach Richt to gain ground on a guy they have a better shot at losing late, than landing early, well, that's your prerogative. We'll all just have to wait and see.

Until then, here's some video of Georgia prospect, Quintavious Harrow. You be the judge—is he a potential loss of a scholly or a potentially solid player?

Georgia Bulldogs Football: Redshirt Players Who Could Have An Impact in 2011

For most Georgia Bulldog fans, the 2010 season is already done—no matter what happens in the Liberty Bowl. For those fans, the time for looking ahead starts now...today. So, as we look into the future just a little bit, and search for potential 'diamonds in the rough', there is no better place to start than the guys who took a redshirt in 2010.

Aaron Murray used his one season of bench time to study the offense and become the man that Georgia would eventually call their starting quarterback. And, despite the impression Georgia's 6-6 record might have sent, there were few who saw him play that didn't walk away with a positive impression.

That said, 2011 presents the opportunity for another young player to show what he has to offer to the team and, perhaps, become the piece that either the offense or defense needs to help Georgia get back on the championship track.

Here are just a few guys worth keeping track of this summer:

Michael Bennett, WR

Bennett wasn't highly touted coming out high school but his work ethic and ability to make the big play didn't escape the attention of many during last summer's workouts. With Kris Durham graduating and A.J. Green likely bolting for the NFL (unless there is a lockout), Murray will need another big, strong, dependable target to lock in on when he's in a tight spot. Bennett could be that guy—he's a definite sleeper.

Mike Thornton, DT

He was one of last years biggest 'gets', and there were some who felt he was a perfect fit for Todd Grantham's 3-4. However,  for whatever reason, he wasn't ready to be installed into the system this season. Even so, he's worked hard and put on a little more weight and has impressed his coaches with his tough play. With the 3-4 still searching for playmakers, particulary at the nose spot, Thornton could make a big splash real soon.

Ken Malcome, RB

Georgia flirted with letting him see playing time after injuries, and suspensions, limited the depth chart at his position. However, he managed to stay on the sidelines this season and continue to get comfortable with his potential responsibility at running back. That said, he isn't likely to be a gamebreaker, but Georgia won't need him to be if he can do two things well, 1) hold on to the football and 2) move the chains.

He could become a big factor this fall as neither Washaun Ealey, nor Caleb King can count on being the shoe-in's that they were when the 2010 season began.

Mark Richt Suspends Two, Who Will Move Up On The Depth Chart?

The Georgia Bulldogs suffered another setback over the weekend as the football team made its way back into the headlines.

The arrests of Tavarres King (WR) and Dontavius Jackson (RB) cast another shadow over the football program, the result of which will mean there will be more depth chart shuffling.

At the end of spring practice, Tavarres King won out over Rantavious Wooten for the No. 2 receiving spot behind A.J. Green. The competition would likely have stretched into the summer, but King had a decided edge over Wooten in their position battle. Now, with King’s mandatory one-game suspension being a factor, the door is open for Wooten or someone else to grab the reigns—at least in game one.

King was one of Georgia’s best deep ball threats and there were some who felt that 2010 would be his breakout season. Now, it is unclear when he will play and that means someone else will be counted on to step up and fill his void.

The Bulldogs have one incoming receiver for 2010, Michael Bennett. His development will be watched with more interest now as he could be called upon early to contribute. It will be interesting to see how he adapts to the rigors of the SEC, both physically and mentally, because there is little doubt that he has the requisite skills.

The most likely scenario is that Bennett fills in as a reserve and Marlon Brown or Rantavious Wooten battle it out this summer for the No. 2 spot—assuming Brown can remain healthy and Wooten can cure what ailed him during the spring where he seemed to struggle with dropped balls.

If neither of them can secure the job, look for Kris Durham to make some noise. He looked impressive in the G-Day Game and he has always been a good possession receiver for the Bulldogs throughout his career—despite limited opportunities to shine.

At the running back spot, the loss of Dontavius Jackson—who was slotted in at third on the depth chart, with Carlton Thomas trailing slightly behind—is a touch more worrisome. Despite the talented tandem of Washaun Ealey and Caleb King, a third back would be nice insurance against injury and fatigue.

The obvious choice to replace Jackson would seem to be Carlton Thomas. He looked good during the spring and, for the second year in a row, was impressive in G-Day.

However, last season highlighted some weaknesses in his abilities—mostly due to his size—and the
fact is, he is not an every down back. He has a very specific skill-set that the team will use where possible but he’s not the long-term answer.

The natural fit for the role is likely to be incoming freshman, Ken Malcome. He has the size and strength for running the ball between the tackles and his balance and vision make him intriguing as an early contributor.

He lacks the speed of Dontavius Jackson but his style closely mirrors that of Washaun Ealey and that's not a bad thing.

Will he be ready to jump in and make it happen? We'll just have to wait and see this summer, but with the lack of warm bodies on the depth chart at running back, Malcome will definitely be in the mix.

Hopefully the opportunity to move up on the depth chart will spark greater competition amongst those who are fighting to make a statement for the Bulldogs in 2010.

The Georgia Bulldogs' Michael Bennett Is Ready To Step Out of The Shadows

Despite the lack of depth the Georgia Bulldogs have at wide receiver for 2010, Michael Bennett’s name hasn’t been mentioned much as a potential target for Aaron Murray. This lack of notoriety is a familiar scenario for the young man from Alpharetta, GA.

Bennett was referred to as the “most underrated wide receiver” prospect in the state for 2009 by MaxPreps. He didn’t even receive any Division I offers until after his performance at the 2009 Atlanta National Underclassmen Combine (NUC).

It was there that he took home the prestigious ‘Combine King’ award after making mince meat of the competition in both 7-on-7 and 1-on-1 drills.

His impressive performances continued into his senior season at Alpharetta High School (AAAAA), where he finished the year with 1,084 all-purpose yards, 7 touchdowns, 35 tackles, 2 interceptions, and 693 rushing yards.

Now, he hopes to carry his productivity into the SEC where his goal is to be a solid contributor for Georgia—early.

Many have compared Bennett to current Georgia Bulldog receiver,  Kris Durham, and while the two are similar in size and build, that is where the similarities end.  The more film you see on Bennett, the more you realize that he is a very special player with more talent than he's been given credit for—in my opinion.

His size, speed, vertical leaping ability, and overall approach to the game is very similar to that of current Georgia standout, A.J. Green (who, coincidentally, Bennett states he has tried to model his game after). He has a tremendous ability to make the catch—no matter the situation—and his body control while in the air is something to see.

The latter was something that scouts were equally impressed by during their evaluation of him at the various summer camps he attended during his junior season. . He was fearless when going up to make the catch and his willingness to sacrifice his body for the ball made for some highlight reel catches on the field.

He doesn’t mind contact either (he also played some defensive back in high school) and, coming to the SEC, he has committed himself to getting stronger so that he is prepared to take the hits that will surely come his way as a result.

It’s that kind of dedication that has the coaches excited about his long-term potential.

As of now, it’s uncertain what will happen with Bennett for 2010. If he’s ready, and performs well this summer, it may be difficult to keep him off the field. However, with the maturation of Marlon Brown and the return of Kris Durham, it may be difficult for him to gain much in the way of playing time as the teams 5th or 6th option. 

That said, Bennett is preparing like a guy who expects to play this year—he is not looking to redshirt in 2010. His understanding is that his opportunity to play will come sooner, rather than later and if it does, Georgia fans should be surprised by what they'll see.

If nothing else, he has a ton of upside for the future and it would not surprise me to see him taking on a much bigger role in 2011—particularly if A.J. Green leaves for the NFL as expected (Green is a projected Top 10 pick).

Michael Bennett is definitely one to watch.